Cancel Botan: The Right Way to Exit Your Subscription

How to cancel Botan and protect your rights in new zealand

What Botan is and why you might want to cancel

Botan is an online subscription service offering access to botanical content, plant identification tools and app-based features. The service operates through a mobile app, charging subscribers in USD on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. If you've signed up for a Botan subscription and now want to exit, Tocancel is here to walk you through every cancellation option available to you in New Zealand, and ensure you understand your consumer rights before you take action.

Why customers cancel Botan

You might want to cancel Botan for several reasons: the subscription no longer fits your budget, you're unhappy with the app experience, you signed up by mistake, or you found a better alternative. Whatever your reason, you have consumer rights on your side in New Zealand. Tocancel makes sure you understand them before you take action.

Is Botan right for you to keep?

Before cancelling, ask yourself whether the monthly or annual subscription delivers real value. If you're paying USD 29.99 monthly (roughly NZD 50 at current exchange rates) but only using the app occasionally, cancellation could save you hundreds each year. Conversely, if you actively use the plant-finding feature and botanical content, keeping the subscription might justify the cost. Only you can decide, but at Tocancel, we empower you to make that choice with full information.

Botan's subscription pricing and plans

Botan charges all subscriptions in USD, and your New Zealand payment processor will convert to NZD at the time of purchase or renewal.

Understanding your payment and currency conversion

Because Botan prices in USD, you'll pay NZD based on the App Store or Google Play's exchange rate at the moment of purchase. Check your bank or payment app statement to see the exact NZD amount you were charged. This matters when you request a refund, because you'll need to prove what you actually paid in New Zealand dollars.

Your consumer rights and what they mean for you

In New Zealand, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 protect your rights as a consumer. You have the right to cancel certain subscriptions, request refunds for services you haven't received, and take action if a company fails to honour its obligations.

The consumer guarantees act and digital services

The Consumer Guarantees Act gives you the right to receive goods and services that are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose and safe. For digital subscriptions like Botan, this means the app must work as described, deliver the features promised, and not charge you unexpectedly. If Botan fails to meet these guarantees, you have grounds to cancel and request a refund. The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's consumer watchdog and will investigate complaints if Botan refuses to cooperate.

Your legal position with subscription cancellation

You have the right to cancel a subscription at any time, though you may forfeit any remaining period you've paid for (unless the service is faulty or the company misled you). However, if Botan charged you without your proper consent, changed its terms without notice, or the app doesn't work as advertised, you can cancel immediately and claim a full refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act. Tocancel recommends keeping records of all communications and transaction confirmations to support your case.

How to cancel Botan subscriptions

Your cancellation route depends on where you purchased your subscription: through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or directly from Botan's website.

Cancelling through apple app store (iPhone or iPad)

1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Subscriptions.
4. Find and tap Botan from the list.
   • If Botan doesn't appear, you may not have an active subscription with Apple.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription or Cancel Free Trial (depending on your status).
   • If prompted for a reason, select one; this feedback helps the company improve.
   • Confirm cancellation on the next screen.
6. You'll see a confirmation message showing your access ends on a specific date. Take a screenshot of this as proof.

Apple processes cancellations instantly, but you keep access until your paid period expires. You will not be charged again after that date.

Cancelling through google play store (Android)

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap the profile icon (top right corner).
3. Select Manage your Google Account.
4. Tap the Subscriptions tab.
5. Find and tap Botan.
   • If Botan doesn't appear, you may not have an active subscription with Google Play.
6. Tap Cancel Subscription.
   • Google may ask why you're cancelling; provide feedback if you wish.
   • Confirm the cancellation.
7. You'll receive a confirmation email and see the cancellation date on your account. Save this confirmation email for your records.

Google Play processes cancellations immediately, but you keep access until the end of your billing period.

Cancelling a direct Botan subscription (web or other methods)

1. Log into your Botan account on the website or app.
2. Navigate to Account Settings or Subscription Management.
   • This is usually found in your user profile or settings menu.
3. Look for Manage Subscription, Billing or Cancel Subscription.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm cancellation.
   • Botan may display your cancellation date and final billing date.
5. You should receive a confirmation email. Keep this email as evidence of cancellation.

If you cannot find these options in your account, contact Botan's support team directly and request written confirmation of your cancellation.

How to request a refund from Botan

Cancelling your subscription does not automatically trigger a refund; you must request one separately and provide a valid reason.

When Botan should refund you

You have the right to request a refund if any of the following apply: the app didn't work as advertised, Botan charged you without consent, you were billed twice for the same period, or the service quality fell significantly short of what was promised. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, Botan must provide refunds or replacements if their service fails to meet acceptable standards. Tocancel advises you to be specific about why you deserve a refund; vague requests are easier for companies to deny.

How to request a refund step by step

1. Gather your evidence: screenshots of charges, app problems, emails, or contract terms.
2. Contact Botan's support team via the app or website.
   • Ask for a refund and explain your reason clearly (e.g., "The app crashed daily and I could not use the plant identification feature for 3 weeks").
   • Keep a copy of your message and any response they send.
3. If Botan refuses or ignores your request within 14 days, escalate to your payment provider (Apple, Google or your bank).
   • File a dispute or chargeback claim with evidence of your request and Botan's response.
4. If the payment provider doesn't help, contact the Commerce Commission (consumercomplaints.org.nz) and file a formal complaint.

Document every step of this process; clear records make it easier to win a dispute or chargeback claim.

Timeline and access after cancellation

Understanding what happens to your account and access after you cancel is essential.

What happens to your access after you cancel

Once you cancel, your access to Botan continues until the end of your current billing cycle. For example, if you cancel on 15 June and your next renewal date is 30 June, you keep full access until 30 June, then the app will block you from premium features. You will not be charged again after that date. Tocancel recommends taking screenshots or exporting any plant collections or notes you want to keep before your access expires.

Can you reactivate your Botan account?

Yes, you can reactivate your subscription at any time by signing back into your account and selecting a plan. Your previous data may be retained depending on how long the account has been inactive; contact Botan's support team if you're unsure.

Common mistakes when cancelling Botan

Cancelling can feel stressful, but many people make preventable errors that cost them time and money. Here's what to avoid.

Mistake 1: cancelling only the app, not the subscription

Deleting the Botan app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. The billing continues in the background, and you'll be charged again on your renewal date. Always cancel through the App Store, Google Play or Botan's website, not just by deleting the app. Tocancel sees this mistake constantly, and it often costs customers hundreds of dollars before they realise what happened.

Mistake 2: not taking screenshots or saving confirmation emails

If you need to dispute a charge or request a refund later, you'll need proof that you cancelled. Always screenshot your cancellation confirmation, save confirmation emails, and note the date and time. Without this evidence, it becomes your word against Botan's, and payment providers favour documented proof.

Mistake 3: assuming a refund is automatic

Cancellation and refund are separate actions. Cancelling stops future charges, but refunding past payments is a separate request. Don't assume Botan will automatically refund you; ask explicitly and provide a reason. If you don't ask, you won't receive a refund.

Mistake 4: ignoring currency conversion fees

Because Botan charges in USD, your bank may add a currency conversion fee on top of the subscription cost. Check your full statement to see what you actually paid in NZD, not just the USD figure Botan quotes. This matters when you request a refund, because you're entitled to the full amount you paid in NZD, including any conversion costs.

Comparing subscription cancellation methods

Different cancellation routes have different timelines and success rates. This table shows the pros and cons of each method.

Checklist: cancelling Botan safely

Use this checklist to ensure you've covered every step.

• Confirm your subscription platform: Did you buy through Apple App Store, Google Play or directly from Botan?
• Cancel through the correct platform: Don't just delete the app.
• Take a screenshot: Capture your cancellation confirmation message, including the date your access ends.
• Save the confirmation email: Check your email (including spam folder) for cancellation confirmation from Apple, Google or Botan.
• Check your next renewal date: Verify you won't be charged again after cancellation is complete.
• Request a refund if eligible: Contact Botan or your payment provider if you have a valid reason (faulty service, unauthorised charge, etc.).
• Keep all records: Store screenshots, emails and transaction details for at least 12 months in case you need to dispute a charge.
• Follow up if you're charged again: If Botan charges you after cancellation, file a dispute with your payment provider immediately.

Contact details and further support

If Botan is not responding to your cancellation or refund requests, you have options.

Botan support and billing contact

The postal address on record for Botan is associated with Still Botanical, located in Auckland, New Zealand. If you need to contact Botan directly, check the app or website for a support email address or in-app messaging feature. Write a clear, detailed email explaining your cancellation request or refund claim and request written confirmation. Keep a copy of this email and any response.

Escalation to the commerce commission

If Botan refuses to cancel your subscription or refund you when you have a valid claim, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission at consumercomplaints.org.nz. The Commission investigates breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act and can compel Botan to refund you or change its practices. This is a free service and is your strongest lever if the company won't cooperate.

Disputing charges with your bank or payment provider

If Botan continues to charge you after cancellation, contact your bank, credit card provider, or Apple/Google and file a dispute or chargeback claim. Provide your cancellation screenshots and confirmation emails as evidence. Payment providers take unauthorised charges seriously and will often refund you directly while they investigate.

Final steps: how tocancel can help

Cancelling a subscription should be straightforward, but companies often make it deliberately difficult to keep you paying. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover refunds and understand their rights under New Zealand consumer law. Whether your issue is with Botan or another service, Tocancel provides clear guidance, step-by-step instructions and support when companies won't cooperate. Your money is yours to keep, and you have the right to cancel whenever you choose. Visit Tocancel today to access our full range of cancellation guides and consumer-rights resources, and take back control of your subscriptions.